beading basics – tipsand tools

beading tray-Image of tray is an example, of one i own and use it for laying out my beading projects.

Wire or string:

beading wire or string- is needed in order to start any beading project. depends on beads beeing used and needles that will determine your gauge in wire or string thickness.

Stringing

stringing is a technique in which you use beading wire, needle

Making jump rings this is a coil and how it looks prior to cutting into rings (Photo credit: Hacklock)

and thread, or other material to gather beads into a strand.

crimpin

Image to the top right corner is a crimping tool

string a crimp tube use the back notch of a pair of crimping pliers to pinch the tube into a u, this allows you to have a clean end.

extras: If you leave part of your string or wire out you can use as toggle or simply the other part of a closure finding.

You can get fancy and do a beaded end. I will explain later….next post on beading.

Making Jump rings or Split Rings

Use one hand to hold the end of your wire on mandrel and with the other hand, wrap the wire around the mandrel in tight loops.

Then to remove the finished coil (rings), slide it off the mandrel and cut.

to make jump rings or split rings – cut the coil at desiredpart to make jump rings or split rings. Jump rings are closed, split rings are the type rings you need to join for longer chains or attaching pendants charms, etc.

What if you dont have a mandrel?? it’s fine…. Basically anything with this shape can be used to make jump rings, pencils pens, markers, straws, work great as well! at home depot you can find dowels, rebar or anything that will allow you to form a shape thats cylinder, round …get creative!

opening closing jump rings

to open a jump ring, grasp each side of its opening with a pair of pliers.Don’t pull apart. Instead, twist in opposite directions so that you can open and close without ruining the shape.

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Image via Wikipedia

Side Cutters or Flush Cutters

Image to the right is of side cutters they are necessary tools they allow you to get up close to the bead and cut the wire or string as closely as possible. Make sure to keep tool at reach!

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